Sunday, 20 October 2013

Razor Photography



Blog dedicated to the improvement of your photography. Tips, tricks, poses and much much more. Updated on a weekly basis!

Wednesday, 16 October 2013

A Guide to the Gay Bear Culture

Contrary to what some people believe, all gay men aren’t the same. We don’t all enjoy Broadway musicals, dress up in the latest fashions, or walk with too much honey on our hips. Not every single gay man turns his nose up in disgust at sporting events, outdoor activities, or manual labor. The gay male culture is actually a cornucopia of men with different tastes, interests, and body types. We are a microcosm of the gay culture just like every other subculture in the world. Not every African American listens to rap nor do all Latinos speak Spanish and watch telanovelas (Spanish soap operas). To believe that every single person within any particular culture is representative of the culture as a whole is not only ridiculous but illogical.

Now, just to clarify, gay men sometimes uses terms and classifications to identify other groups within our own that often confuses our straight friends. I can’t count how many times I’ve been asked just what is a bear? Once I begin the explanation and delve into the various categories within the bear subculture, their eyes either glass over due to the sheer excess of information provided, or they (and by they, I mean my straight, male friends) will ask what kind of bear am I?

For some reason, my straight male friends feel the need to be classified by the terms we use to describe other gay men. And from what I hear from my gay brothers, their straight guy friends pose the same questions to them. Perhaps it’s their need to feel included (no man wants to be left out of any team even if they really play for the opposition!) or perhaps they just want to see exactly how desirable they are to other men. Let’s face it, our straight male friends might not want to slip between the sheets with another man, but they want to at least know what their options were if they did.


Definition of Bear: Men in the gay community who have hairy bodies and facial hair. Many are stocky and/or muscular (generally larger in mass than any other classification of gay men in the community). They often portray themselves as the epitome of masculinity through their rugged appearance and demeanor.

Characteristics of a Bear: Typically, Bears are friendly, polite, and easy-going, a far cry from their animal namesake. Their larger body types contain some of the kindest hearts. If a bear were to accidentally step on you at a bar, he would be the first one to apologize and feel awful for potentially hurting you. However, just like their namesakes, a bear is a dangerous gay when provoked and prodded with a stick (no pun intended). Their size alone would be enough to take down an entire gaggle of gays. But unlike real bears, these Bears travel in packs. When you take on one Bear, the entire cave is threatened.

What Does a Bear Do in the Woods?: While Bears have a wide range of interests, they are some natural proclivities of the subculture that seem pretty standard. Most Bears enjoy food and drink. Beer is the alcohol of choice. Rarely, do you see a Bear sipping a Cosmo or calling himself a Vegan. They indulge in the simpler pleasure of life such as camping, laying in the sun, or communing with other Bears.

Bear Wear: Bears can often be spotted in the wild wearing open flannel shirts exposing their guts and hirsute bodies, combat boots, and baseball caps. They are not slaves to fashion. This is not to say that Bears don’t play dress up. (They are gay after all!) But they are more at home wearing lose fit, extremely casual clothing.

Bear Subcategories: The term Bear doesn’t apply to every single hairy gay man. In fact, within the Bear subculture  you will find an entire slew of different classifications.
  • Black Bear is a bear of African-American descent.
  • Brown Bear is a bear of Latin descent.
  • Chubby Bear is a bear who is heavy set and hairy.
  • Cub is a term used to describe a bear relatively younger in age. The term is also affectionally used to describe a bear’s husband/partner who fulfills the passive role in the sexual relationship.
  • Daddy Bear describes a mature bear, who is often looking for a Cub (or younger man) for a relationship.
  • Grizzly Bear means that the individual is extremely dominant and typically extremely tall, heavy, or hairy.
    Example of a Grizzly Bear
    Example of a Grizzly Bear "GRRROWWWWL!"

  • Koala Bear is a bear of Australian descent.
  • Otter describes a man who is hairy but not heavy. An otter’s build is leaner and muscular.
    An example of an Otter
    The Otter ready for a swim

  • Panda Bear denotes a bear of Asian descent.
  • Pocket Bear describes a bear of short stature.
  • Polar Bear is a bear with white or grey hair.
  • Wolf is a term for a bear who is rugged and outdoorsy but typically also a biker.
Bear Admirers: Those who are attracted to bears or hang out with them also have their own set of descriptions.
  • Chaser describes a man who is sexually attracted to heavy set gay men.
  • Goldilocks is usually a woman who hangs out with a group of bears. This is the Bear culture’s term for their “fag hag.”
Goldilocks
Goldilocks, the original Bear fag hag

As you can see, Bears and those that love them, come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and interests. If you want to learn more, find a Bear and befriend him. You’ll be glad you did.

You are gay, not special...

gay pride  

Noun
A sense of dignity and satisfaction in connection with the public acknowledgment of one's own homosexuality.


During a recent trip i had a conversation with someone about Gay Pride and the general gay topics that come up during a conversation. Topics ranging from clothing to gay attitude and personalities was all discussed in some degree. One thing was mentioned a few times though and that got me thinking. The words "you are gay, not special" came up a lot.

As a gay man i have always hated being labeled, and as a result i didnt see myself any different than any other person, gay or straight. Many great things have happened to the further improvement of the gay community in the last few years and like most other people it made me proud to see changes happening all over the world. That said i have also noticed something that upset me. All of a sudden being gay meant that some people saw them selves and the gay community as "special"

For decades men and women fought for equality, to be treated like anyone else. Couples wanted the right to marry the person they loved regardless of gender or sexuality. All they wanted was to be treated the same way their heterosexual friends were, nothing more and nothing less.

All over the world Gay pride is being celebrated at some degree, some with elaborate festivals and some with just a pride parade, no matter how you look at it, its a fun event where being gay is celebrated. However recently organizers started enforcing some strict rules and regulations. No longer are you allowed to walk around in your underwear or topless or even naked, and no sex in public places. That upset many people so much that they went to sites like Facebook and twitter to complain about it. Being nude in public or having sex on a float in front of people lining the streets is not acceptable for anyone but for some reason just because they are gay it should be? Any other day of the year it is illegal to walk around topless or have sex in public, then why should it be legal on pride day?

Pride is about unity not about being perverse in public.
It’s about those children not thinking that they’re somehow second class citizens.
It’s about teaching children that they should not be ashamed to be who they are.
It’s about standing up against prejudice.



This is where my dilemma starts, we want to be treated like everyone else, yet we want special treatment for some things? I am gay, i am no different that my straight friends, shouldn't what counts for them also count for me? The fact that i am gay should not mean i am now all of a sudden allowed to do things that is illegal for everyone else.
If i decide to propose to my boyfriend why should it be plastered over every website and newspaper, many straight people do that every day, why should mine be in the spotlight? Its a private thing, something special between two people in love yet nowadays it seems that gay couples go out of their way to ensure that they get mentioned on facebook or some tabloid website.

We lost the meaning of Pride, no longer is it a celebration of being gay, now it is all about being different and forcing it down everyone's throat. We make huge issues about being gay yet in the same sentence we demand to be treated the same as others. When someone says or does something that is offending it is our right to be upset and say something, but it is not a right to start demanding things now that the the world is on board with equality You are gay you are not special, but your actions is doing more damage to the community than you think.

Be proud of who you are, embrace being gay but don't see it as an excuse to be perverse or be put on a pedestal, you are just like every other person on this planet.

The Do's and Don't For All Zodiac Signs

ARIES:

DO’S
Aries are naturally active and vibrant people and they tend to like such people too. You will have to increase your pace to be in step with them. They like and appreciate frank and straightforward persons. With them you can be your true self (but don’t try your luck being over frank-they are volatile). If you are in love with an Arian, then you have to show your enthusiasm in all their activities (you can always yawn later!).

DON’TS
Do not tell an Aries that s/he may be wrong. Any such statement may stir a storm in a teacup. Aries are very faithful and passionate lovers. Do not give air to the smoldering fire within them by making them jealous. No flirtation or fooling around with others in their presence unless of course you wish to write your death wish (you will be granted!).


TAURUS:

DO’S
Stability and dependability characterize Taurus. They like people who can blend and grow with them. If you have a Taurus partner you should appreciate all things bright and beautiful. They have an inherent artistic sense and are fond of color and music. Judge life with them from a purely materialistic point of view. Enjoy everything luxurious that money can provide. Enjoy good food (better if you can cook to please them) and good drinks with them.

DON’TS
Taurus do not loose their temper easily (in fact you may spend the whole life with them and still no spark) but you should not push your luck too much. Being unreasonable or aggressive with them may get you into trouble. Do not press him/her into a corner, and if you do, be prepared for a violent rage. Taurus is capable of violent outbursts though such an event is is very rare occasions. They can be suffocating when they are possessive about you.


GEMINI:

DO’S
Gemini is a highly intellectual and versatile person. If you have a Gemini partner you have to match your wits with his/her wits to keep the zing in the relationship. They want to be mentally stimulated so you have to be good at conversing. Your sense of humor will get you a permanent residence in the heart of a Gemini. Be more communicative with them, and if you are good at this, you will never know how hours pass by holding each other’s hand.

DON’TS
Gemini’s like to do many things at the same time, so if unfortunately you are the type who is looking for stability you may get disappointed. Do not hold back a Gemini or you may lose him/her, as they are restless and need change in life constantly. You should try to adopt yourself with the ever-changing Gemini. Orthodox or conservative old fashion ideas are no-no in their dictionary. Change with the ever-changing Gemini and do not flow against the current .


CANCER:

DO’S
Try to adapt yourself with the changing moods of the Cancer. At one moment they may be laughing and enjoying and in another they may sulk. You may have to adjust with the moody and sensitive Cancer. They are like the tides in the ocean, always fluctuating. Cancerians love food, so if you know how to cook and can be poetic and romantic (added Bonus) then you know the way to their heart.

DON’TS
Cancerians are very sensitive people and can get easily hurt. So do not play with their emotions and sentiments. They are like tides that can sweep you along. They form emotional bonds with even inanimate things, so do not ask them to discard old caps or souvenirs. Such things hold special meaning to them. You have to realize that the crabs have a soft heart and are vulnerable. Do not contradict their tested line of thought and action, it would only lead to confusion.


LEO:

DO’S
If you have Leo partner respect him and his majestic manners. Accept the advice of Leo, the lion, as he is the king of the jungle. It is the sign of a showman, so if your partner does everything in grand style enjoy it. They fall easily for flattery and want to be center of attraction of all eyes (sometimes they can be quiet theatrical too).

DON’TS
Never ever hurt the ego of a Leo. Pride, ego and vanity are some of the bags Leo’s always carry with them. Do not touch these bags. An authoritative Leo is even more difficult to handle in such circumstances. Leo is a sunny sign so they do not like people who are gloomy or depressed. Even if you are crying at heart keep a sunny smile on your lips and then let the lion take charge and remove all worries from your life.


VIRGO:

DO’S
Virgo’s are very methodical and have a great sense of duty. However, they are blind to their own faults. So, if you have a Virgo partner emphasize more on their qualities. Take keen interest in what they are doing and you will realize that they will go out of their way to help you. Do rely and appreciate their mental powers rather than their physical powers. They can turn even an unsuccessful venture into a success.

DON’TS
Do not push a Virgo into limelight or on the center stage unless of course they do so on their own. They are shy and reserved by nature and do not like to be the cynosure of all eyes. Virgo’s have secrets that they would not like to bring out in the open. So, even if you have the key to their secret skeleton-closet, hide it; do not even admit that you know anything about it. Virgo, the virgins, do not want to tarnish their public image.


LIBRA:

DO’S
Librans need peace and harmony in all their relationships, so help them maintain that. Venus, the ruling planet, gives them beauty and they have weakness for people who can compliment them about their beauty (you will not have to make an effort to do that anyway). You can help Libra seek union and partnership in life. If you have a Libra partner you can be sure to share beautiful and pleasurable moments together.

DON’TS
Libra is kind and gentle soul but very argumentative. Hence, do not start an argument or discussion unless, of course, you are free and do not know how to pass your time. They hate to lose and most probably during an argument may change sides too (remember scales can tilt) and still continue arguing from the other side. Do not push your Libra partner into making decisions. They will keep weighing pros and cons and may still not be able to come to any decision. Have patience !


SCORPIO:

DO’S
Scorpio’s are full of passion and zest for life. They have tremendous drive that can involve you too. Tune in to their wavelength and you can enjoy the harmony and music of life with them. Scorpio’s are loyal and never forget a kind deed done by you. If you want to enjoy life with your Scorpio lover, share their passion and intensity and you will be fascinated by how beautiful life can be with them.

DON’TS
Scorpio’s are very passionate and intense but they are also fiercely possessive and would like to possess your mind, body and soul. Do not let seeds of jealousy grow in them because then you may have to suffer agonies of jealousy and discontentment in life. Scorpio’s have explosive tempers be careful how you handle them. They never let anyone know what is going on in their mind till they strike and you may be caught unaware. Do not flirt around in the presence of your Scorpio lover.


SAGITTARIUS:
DO’S

Sagittarius is basically a happy go lucky kind. You can enjoy with them their zest and enthusiasm for life. They bubble with excitement. And if you share the same interests and hobbies, life can be great fun together. They are frank and straightforward so if you want some truthful opinion about anything or anyone go to them. Be optimistic as they are and view life as glass half full.

DON’TS
Sagittarius is fiercely independent and cannot tolerate restriction. Hence, do not try to hold them back in life. Let them enjoy their freedom because if you hold any special place in their heart they will always come back for you. Do not feel irritated by the exaggeration in their speech. They may go on and on, talking about certain things that may not even interest you, but its their way of trying to communicate with you. They are basically frank and outspoken (to the point of being rude), so do not feel offended by their talks.


CAPRICORN:
DO’S

Capricornians are strong and dependable. Hence, if you want to put your money on anyone it is of course this zodiac sign. They are practical and conservative in their outlook and they expect you to blend in their color. They set certain standards for themselves in their life and they will always try to maintain those standards. For them social status and image is very important in life.

DON’TS
Do not expect a Capricorn mate to open his/her heart and pour everything to you. They are very secretive and reserved people. They are very thorough in all their affairs and hate any kind of sloppiness. People born under this zodiac are very tight-fisted and economical. Do not expect lavish gifts from them and if they do give you any gift (that is very rare) it will have some practical use (no romance please) but that does not mean you will be deprived of anything; on the contrary you will be well provided.


AQUARIUS:
DO’S

Aquarius are friendly and fascinating people. They have in-depth knowledge about various subjects and you can converse with them for hours without getting bored. They are capable of giving a lot of love that can be amazing. They have a very broad outlook of life and you can relax in their presence. They will always welcome your ideas and actions about humanitarian causes. To keep an Aquarius lover interested you must possess that mysterious and intriguing quality. Once hooked they will always be very faithful to you.

DON’TS
Do not expect or plan a normal, simple and predictable life with an Aquarius partner. Aquarians are totally unpredictable. They can go to any direction without giving any advance notice. They are basically very restless and get bored easily. Though they are very friendly, do not expect them to reveal their inner most feelings to you (they never will). They can be detached and impersonal, which may seem strange to others.


PISCES:

DO’S
Pisceans are sensitive and charming. If you are looking for someone who is understanding and can understand your feelings then you have met the right person. You should appreciate their feelings too, as in your time of need they are sure to help you. Pisces have a keenly developed sixth sense and have great intuitive powers. Their hunches may usually be right on mark. But they can exhaust their physical and mental energies. They are born dreamers and you can build palaces with your dream lover (only in real life it may become a little difficult preposition).

DON’TS
Pisces are dreamers and you should not expect them to have worldly ambitions. They are not materialistic in nature. It is not that they like living below the poverty line but they have no earnest desire to accumulate wealth. They are very sensitive and you have to be always careful about their feelings. The fishes are capable of drowning you in their tears (even men born under this sign). ached and impersonal, which may seem strange to others.

Monday, 30 September 2013

Attack of the ninja emotions...

Today was for the lack of a better word...weird.

I am and have always been a very emotional guy, it doesn't take much to bring out the ninja queen inside and that always leaves me with raccoon eyes! Trust me that is not a pretty sight!
My day started as normal as every other day, i post a few funny statuses on facebook or twitter, music to keep me sane and coffee to keep every one around me safe...i am not a morning person.

As most of you know you tube is filled with hidden tear jerker videos, soldier home comings, surprise proposals etc. Well today i clicked on a link to a video that wrecked me emotionally for the rest of the day.

Firstly let me tell you that it does not take much to turn me into a girl especially if its a sad story! This one was the mother of all sad videos, it combined the two things i am most afraid of. A man crying and an animal dying, basically the perfect storm for my emotional side!

The video was called "Last Minutes with ODEN"

Normally i would not even click on anything like that, i dont like sadness and i dont like seeing animals suffer and this one had both.
It was as if something wanted me to see that, i sat there waiting for it to buffer (Fate we are left to in South Africa) knowing in my mind that what i am about to watch will more than likely mess me up totally!

As i watched it, all 6 minutes and 15 seconds of it the tears ran down my face like a stream in a forest, the more i tried to stop the more i cried! I have never felt like this in my life. I dont know this man, i didn't know Oden, but why am i so affected by it then?

The answer is simple, i have been dealing with so much shit over the last year or so and i have been doing it alone that it finally caught up with me. It took this video of a man crying so much for his best friend for me to realise that i can not do this on my own. Men dont cry,...BULLSHIT! we are human and we have emotions like any other person. I was sad for him, i felt his pain, i have a cat that i love to bits, and i am to be honest scared of the day that i will have to say goodbye to him, when that day comes, a piece of me will die with him.

But it also made me realise that i am human, i cant keep things bottled up and pretend that nothing is wrong, sometimes even the best of us need to ask for help.

I will more than likely wake up tomorrow morning with puffy eyes but i know i will feel much better, all the emotions i swept away came flooding out today...and that is a good thing. I can now face the rest of my problems with an open mind and feel secure in knowing that i am not super man and that asking for help is not a weakness.
The little man that stole my heart "Gizmo"
MG.

Blast from the past!

Warning this should be played at high volume!!!

Collection of a few hits from the 80's and 90's that i personally think was released way before its time!

1) OMD - Maid Of Orleans


2) Haddaway - What Is Love 

3) Culture Beat - Mr. Vain

4) Sash! Ecuador

5) Corona - Rhythm of the Night

6) The Cranberries - Zombie

7) Sash! - Mysterious Times






A Letter From Mom And Dad.

My Child,

When I grow old, I hope you understand and have patience with me.
In case, i break a plate, or spill soup on the table because I’m losing my eye sight.
I hope you don’t yell at me.
Older people are sensitive , always having self-pity when you yell.
When my hearing gets worse and I can’t hear, what you’re saying.
I hope you don’t call me, “Deaf.”
Please repeat what you said, or write it down.
I’m sorry, my child.
I’m getting older.
When my knees get weaker, I hope you have the patience to help me get up.
Like how I used to help you while you were little, learning to walk.
Please bear with me.
When I keep repeating myself like a broken record,
I hope you just keep listening to me.
Please don’t make fun of me or, get sick of listening to me.
Do you remember when you were little and wanted a balloon?
You repeated yourself over and over, until you got what you wanted.
Please also pardon my smell.
I smell like an old person.
Please don’t force me to shower. My body is weak. Old people get sick easily when they’re cold.
I hope I don’t gross you out.
Do you remember, when you were little?
I used to chase you around because you didn’t want to shower.
I hope you can be patient with me, when I’m always cranky. Its all part of getting old.
You’ll understand when you’re older and if you have spare time, I hope we can talk, even for a few minutes.
I’m always by myself all the time, and have no one to talk to.
I know you’re busy with work.
Even if you’re not interested with my stories, please have time for me.
Do you remember, when you were little?
I used to listen to your stories about your teddy bear.
When the time comes and I get bedridden, I hope you have the patience to take care of me.
I’m sorry.
If I wet the bed or make a mess
I hope you have the patience to take care of me during the last few moments of my life.
I’m not going to last much longer, anyway when the time of my death comes, “I hope you hold my hand and give me the strength to face death and don’t worry.
When I finally meet our Creator ………………..
I’ll whisper in His ear ………………….. to bless you because you loved your mom and dad.
Thank you so much for your patience 
We love you
With much love


Mom & Dad